In this episode of Poised for Exit, we speak with Alexis Bostrom, founder and CEO of Big Wolf Siteworks, about how she built a construction company that has grown steadily while remaining intentionally small. Alexis shares how the business began as a two person operation with her husband and evolved into a company supported by a close knit team.

Alexis walks through the realities of hiring for the first time, becoming a union shop, and expanding from residential work into government and civil projects. She discusses how operating with a small team required her to learn quickly, prioritize people and systems, and make thoughtful decisions about what projects the business could realistically take on as it grew.

Throughout the conversation, Alexis reflects on leadership, legacy, and the importance of building a company designed for long term value rather than short term hustle. Her story offers practical insight for business owners who are scaling carefully, hiring intentionally, and working to grow a construction business that can succeed beyond the founder.

Connect with Alexis here

Learn More About Big Wolf Siteworks here

Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC
Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

In this annual recap episode of Poised for Exit, I reflect on 2025, share what stood out over the past year, and look ahead to what is coming in 2026. I also revisit how the show began during the early days of the pandemic, how it has grown over the past five years, and why exit planning conversations continue to resonate with business owners and advisors around the world.

I spend time discussing one of the questions I hear most often: how business owners can grow the value of their companies. I walk through the four intangible capitals, human, structural, customer, and social capital, and explain why these areas often represent the majority of a company’s true enterprise value.

I also share what listeners can expect in 2026, including new perspectives, continued conversations focused on helping owners prepare for better outcomes, and my appreciation for the 2026 sponsors who support the show and align with the values behind Poised for Exit. I look forward to another year of meaningful discussions ahead.

Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC
Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

In this episode of Poised for Exit, we welcome James Olsen, Partner at Seiler Law PLCC, for a practical discussion on the legal realities business owners face when preparing for a sale or transition.

James shares insights from advising Main Street and lower middle-market business owners, highlighting common legal pitfalls that can delay or derail an exit. From handshake agreements and undocumented contracts to buyer due diligence, earn-outs, and post-closing obligations, this episode breaks down what sellers need to address before going to market.

Our conversation covers how to prepare foundational legal documents, evaluate buyer fit, navigate seller carry and earn-out structures, and think strategically about post-closing involvement. James also shares what he’s seeing in the current deal environment and how business owners can position themselves for a smoother transition heading into 2026.

If you’re advising clients or preparing your own business for a future exit, this episode offers grounded, experience-driven guidance to help you reduce risk, protect value, and move forward with confidence.

Connect with James Olsen here

Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC
Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

Episode Reprise

We’re excited to bring back this timely conversation as business owners focus on year-end planning and tax strategy. This episode remains especially relevant right now, and we’re thrilled to reshare these insights from the team at John A. Knutson & Co. for anyone preparing for a future transition.

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In this episode of Poised for Exit, we’re joined by Cindy Mclagan and Jonathon Lansink from John A. Knutson & Co., PLLP. We sit down for an insightful conversation on estate and tax planning for business owners preparing to exit!

Jonathon and Cindy address why proactive estate and tax strategies are critical for protecting generational wealth and ensuring smooth business transitions. From the use of trusts and gifting strategies to navigating the complexities of estate tax law, this episode is packed with practical advice for owners, advisors, and financial professionals alike.

Our conversation covers how to properly fund trusts, the role of irrevocable trusts in real estate planning, and the value of building a collaborative team that includes CPAs, attorneys, and financial advisors. Additionally, Jonathon and Cindy also touch on the challenges of generational family businesses and best practices for onboarding estate planning clients.

If you’re advising clients or preparing your own business for a future transition, this episode delivers grounded, actionable insights to help you plan ahead with clarity and confidence.

Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC
Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

In this episode of Poised for Exit, we sit down with Gordon Bell, CEO and Founder of The Midland Group and fellow CEPA, for a conversation focused on why business owners must start planning their exit well before they intend to transition.

Gordon shares highlights from his career, including leading multiple companies and taking one public, and uses those experiences to illustrate the power of early preparation. He explains why readiness is essential not only for a future sale, but for protecting the business during life events, leadership changes, or unexpected opportunities.

Together, we break down the core elements of exit readiness: value enhancement, de-risking, assembling a trusted advisory team, and understanding the full range of transition options. Gordon also shares his perspective on staying engaged with the business long-term and his philosophy of “refire, not retire,” which has shaped the way he works with owners today.

This episode gives business owners clear steps and a realistic path to becoming truly exit-ready, no matter their timeline.

Key Topics Covered
• Lessons from Gord’s career as a multi-time CEO
• Why exit planning should begin long before a sale
• How preparedness protects owners from unexpected events
• The role of value growth and de-risking in exit success
• Building the right advisory team for long-term planning
• Understanding exit options and choosing with clarity
• The mindset behind “refire, not retire”

Next Steps & Resources
Connect with Gordon here

Learn more about The Midland Group here

Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC
Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

In this episode of Poised for Exit, we welcome back Steve Enzler, Owner and CEO of Tangible Values, for the second half of our deep dive into the cybersecurity threats impacting today’s business owners.

In Part 2, Steve shares shocking real-world examples of W-2 and 1099 fraud, including how organized criminal networks are filing thousands of fake returns using stolen business IDs, employee data, and even credit card information. He explains why the first few weeks of January through early March have become the prime window for identity-related tax fraud, and what every business owner and employee must do to protect themselves.

We also revisit the essential safeguards required under the FTC Safeguards Rule, breaking them down into physical, technical, and administrative protections. Steve outlines six practical steps that any business can implement immediately, from full-system encryption and auto-updates to multi-factor authentication, network security, and proper incident response.

This episode is full of practical guidance, cautionary stories, and straightforward action steps to help you guard against rapidly evolving threats.

Next Steps: Learn more at WispBuilder.com

Explore PracticePanda.com for client communication

Consider enrolling in the IRS Identity Protection PIN Program:
Learn More Here

Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC
Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

In this episode of Poised for Exit, we talk with Jon Keimig, Executive Director of the University of St. Thomas Family Business Center and a leading voice in multi-generation family business education.

Jon shares what he’s seeing inside today’s family-owned companies and why communication often breaks down between generations. He explains why ownership conversations stall, how assumptions build on both sides, and what families can do to create clarity around roles, expectations, and decision-making. Jon also highlights the surprising research showing how many next-gens don’t even know whether they’re owners, and why that uncertainty creates long-term challenges.

We dig into the real dynamics behind alignment: understanding which decisions belong to the family, which belong to ownership, and which belong to management. Jon walks through simple frameworks families can use to keep conversations focused, reduce conflict, and build confidence in the next generation as they step into leadership or ownership roles.

Finally, we talk about the importance of proactive education, outside advisors, and consistent family meetings to ensure smooth transitions and stronger businesses for generations to come.

Next Steps

• Learn more at: https://stthomas.edu/familybusiness
• Email Jon directly: familybusiness@stthomas.edu

Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC
Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

In this episode of Poised for Exit, we talk with Vincent Renda, a nationally recognized financial advisor with Edward Jones who specializes in helping business owners prepare for life beyond their company.

Vincent explains why most owners view an exit as a financial event when, in reality, the real challenge is the transition: identity, purpose, lifestyle, and what comes next. He shares a powerful client story that illustrates how a lack of purpose can stop an exit in its tracks.

We also cover the biggest value drivers and detractors, including owner dependency and hidden lifestyle expenses that create major wealth gaps. Vincent highlights why planning three to five years ahead is critical, and why forced exits often happen due to the Five Ds: death, disability, divorce, disagreement, and destruction.

Finally, Vincent discusses the tools and collaborative resources Edward Jones provides to help owners build a business that’s sellable, sustainable, and aligned with their long-term goals.

Next Steps:

• Connect with Vincent on LinkedIn for a complimentary review

Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC
Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor